Gov. LePage calls for 'no' vote on Question 3

AUGUSTA, Maine (NEWS CENTER) -- Maine Gov. Paul LePage took aim at Question 3 in the latest in a series of videos posted to Facebook addressing the upcoming election.

Over the preceding weeks, Gov. LePage previously posted videos explaining his stance on Questions 1 and 2 on the November ballot. He came down against Question 3 in his latest video on Saturday.

Question 3 is a citizen initiative that reads, "Do you want to require background checks prior to the sale or transfer of firearms between individuals not licensed as firearms dealers, with failure to do so punishable by law, and with some exceptions for family members, hunting, self-defense, lawful competitions, and shooting range activity?"

In his video, Gov. LePage said a "yes" vote on Question 3 would not stop criminals from getting firearms. Instead, he warned, "This law would make criminals out of hunters and sportsmen who loan firearms to their friends."

Supporters of Question 3, including the group Mainers for Responsible Gun Ownership, contend that voting "yes" would improve safety by closing a loophole that allows gun buyers to get around background checks by going through private sellers.